Altiplano of the Atacama Desert Receives Highest Solar Irradiance on Earth
Located near the western coast of South America is a large plain near the Andes Mountains, known as the Altiplano of the Atacama Desert. This expansive plateau, standing at over 4,000 meters high, has recently made headlines for receiving the highest solar irradiance on Earth.
A study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society revealed that the Altiplano recorded a world record of solar irradiance of 2,177 watts per square meter. This measurement is significantly higher than the radiation at the top of the Earth’s atmosphere, which receives about 1,360 watts per square meter.
What makes this finding even more remarkable is that the Altiplano’s solar intensity surpasses locations that are higher in elevation and closer to the equator. In fact, it was found that the plateau can receive as much sunlight as Venus, despite the planet being 28 percent closer to the Sun.
On average, the solar irradiance on the Altiplano is around 308 watts per square meter, making it the highest worldwide. The study also compared the solar energy potential in the area to that of Central Europe and the U.S. East Coast, revealing that it is roughly twice as high in the Altiplano.
Raul Cordero, a climatologist at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and the study’s author, emphasized the importance of protecting one’s skin from the high radiation levels. He noted that while people working in the area were aware of the elevated radiation, the study provides a deeper understanding of just how high it is.
The study utilized satellite data and new measurements to explain why the Altiplano experiences such extreme radiation. The measurements were conducted at the Chajnantor Plateau, a vast flat expanse standing at over 5,000 meters high. The team discovered that thin, high-altitude clouds in the area are responsible for the intense solar focus on the surface through a phenomenon known as forward scattering.
These clouds, typically cumulus, cirrus, or cirrostratus clouds, can enhance solar radiation on the surface by up to 80 percent compared to cloudless conditions. Their presence is most pronounced during the southern hemisphere’s summer months of January and February.
Seiji Kato, an atmospheric scientist at NASA, commented on the findings, explaining that the Altiplano’s high elevation and lower presence of water vapor and clouds contribute to its high solar irradiance levels.
While the Altiplano ranks as the sunniest spot on Earth, the study also highlighted that the sunniest places do not always correspond to the hottest places. A separate study by Tirthankar Chakraborty, an Earth scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, identified cities in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan as the hottest places in the world for human discomfort.
Cordero emphasized that air and surface temperatures are influenced by various factors beyond solar radiation. The Altiplano’s cooler atmosphere is a result of its high elevation, and the adjacent Pacific Ocean also plays a role in keeping the area cooler than land near warmer oceans.
While the Altiplano’s extreme radiation levels may be a fascinating scientific discovery, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks it poses. As research continues to unravel the mysteries of our planet’s climate and environment, it serves as a reminder that nature’s forces can be both awe-inspiring and daunting.
Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/severe-radiation-heres-world-record-outdoor-solar-panel